mise

A lightweight context framework for Claude Code projects.

mise is a context framework for working with Claude Code on non-trivial projects. The problem it solves: Claude starts each conversation without memory of the codebase, so you end up re-explaining architecture, conventions, and in-progress state every time.

The framework is three files:

- `.mise/rules.md` — rules that tell Claude to always read `PROJECT-CONTEXT.md` before starting any task, load component-level `CONTEXT.md` files for relevant subsystems, and keep context current after making changes - `PROJECT-CONTEXT.md` — project summary, repository layout, component map, build instructions, key decisions, conventions, in-progress work, and open questions - `CONTEXT.md` (per component) — same structure scoped to a single subsystem

`CLAUDE.md` at the project root references `.mise/rules.md` via `@.mise/rules.md`, which Claude Code loads automatically at the start of every session.

Usage

Run `/mise-init` in any Claude Code session to scaffold the three files. Fill in `PROJECT-CONTEXT.md` once; update it as the project evolves. Add `CONTEXT.md` to subdirectories as they grow complex enough to warrant it.

The overhead is one file read per session. The payoff is Claude arriving oriented instead of lost.